Vox

Byline2:

VOTING

“The Charleston Post and Courier recently reported that 1,000 U.S. citizens took the standard U.S. citizenship test with the following results: 38 percent failed, 29 percent could not name the vice president, over 25 percent did not know the executive branch was headed by the president. Almost 50 percent didn’t know the Bill of Rights was the first 10 amendments, and almost 75 percent didn’t know the Cold War was fought against communism. Those 1,000 people are eligible to vote. If government is to be elected by other than the uninformed, then all citizens must register and vote. It is your right, and your responsibility, as a citizen. If you do not vote, you have no right to complain about the government. Maybe it is time to require a passing grade on a Democracy 101 test prior to being allowed to vote.”

“The GOP wants photo identification at the polls. I, for one, support a requirement for a photo ID to vote. It is not an unreasonable requirement. You need an ID to buy beer, cigarettes, or a hunting/fishing permit; to drive or cash a check, and lots of other reasons. To require a photo ID to vote is no big deal. A photo ID requirement would reduce the potential for fraud while increasing citizen confidence in the entire election process. With increased confidence in the system, maybe more people would go to the polls, vote, and get involved in local government. In about eight months we have our next election. Assume a photo ID will be required. Get a photo ID during the next seven months. Avoid the rush. Register. Be ready. Get an ID. Vote.”